Judging

In each city, a panel of judges will select the "Best Film of the City." In the past, these judges have included film critics, producers, actors, and filmmakers.

The judges' criteria:

Artistic Merit (e.g., Story, Creativity, Entertainment Value) (45%)

Technical Merit (30%)

Adherence to the Assignment (25%)

Other awards usually given on the local level include: Best Directing, Best Writing, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Acting, Best Use of Character, Best Use of Prop, Best Use of Line, Best Musical Score, Best Sound Design, Best Special Effects

Audience Award

All films, on-time and late, are eligible for the Audience Award, which is determined by audience ballot at the initial screenings in each city.